It wasn’t applause Miss Bussell, 43, used to show her appreciation but a masculine gesture that involved raising her left arm, a clenched fist and her teeth.

The Olympic gymnast, who is one of the favourites of this year's Strictly line-up, has revealed he has only ever had one serious girlfriend.

While the topless photographs are sure to please his admirers, the Olympic medallist took some persuading to pose for the four-hour shoot - despite his impressive physique.

His career has taken off after he played a starring role in this summer's Olympics and now on Strictly Come Dancing. But Louis Smith's love life isn't quite as exciting yet, as the young heartthrob said the split with his ex-girlfriend has left him heartbroken.

Billie Whyatt says the gymnast has repeatedly tried to rekindle their two-year romance and even threw stones at her window one night to declare his love

David Haye, watch out. It looks like the boxer turned I'm A Celeb star is getting some serious competition from Louis Smith in the toned body department.

The silver and bronze medal-winning gymnast on what his Olympic double win mean to him and how the British gymnastic team made history.

Denise Van Outen was toppled from the top spot on Strictly Come Dancing by Olympic gymnast Louis Smith on Saturday after her partner forgot their routine.

Following the disappointment of his Paso Doble the previous week and his subsequent savaging by the nasty, mean judges, his Charleston brought the house down.

He's said before that he would rather spoon with the girl than sleep with her, and it seems Louis Smith really means it.

As his popularity skyrockets on Strictly Come Dancing, BBC executives believe gymnast Louis Smith has a future as a broadcaster, writes DAN WOOTTON.

The 24-year-old singer explained the pair used to 'breakdance' together as children.

He's certainly been popular with the ladies since the Olympics, helped by his stellar performance on Strictly.

While Louis, 23, is adamant he has never made love on his sporting apparatus of choice, he has done the act in other risque places.

They remained as calm as possible in the run-up to the Games, determined not to let the cracks show. But a video made by British Airways has revealed the pressure our athletes were feeling.

Olympic gymnast and partner Flavia Cacace have been rehearsing the salsa and their showdance.

He's wowed week after week with his impressive dance routines, as well as winning people over with his buff body.

Olympic gymnast Louis Smith lost the woman he thought was the love of his life - his one and only girlfriend Billie Whyatt, 21 - and he’s still trying to get over it.

Explaining his decision to shed his costume for his routine, Louis, who is currently 8/15 to win, told Heat magazine that a lack of clothing is vital to making his routine work.

He became the 2012 winner of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night, after impressing the judges and viewers with his shirtless dance routine.

Louis Smith proved himself a winner on the dancefloor after picking up the Glitterball Trophy on Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing final.

The muscular gymnast had wowed the viewers with his toned torso and made sure that he put his medal winning skills to good work.

The 23-year-old's muscular physique will no impress the Coronation Street star and please his fans.

The Olympic silver medallist, pictured with dance partner Flavia Cacace, said he will not return to competitive gymnastics until 2014. Almost 14million viewers tuned in to watch Saturday's final.

The 23-year-old Olympic silver medallist gymnast, pictured, stuck to a strict regime for the Strictly Come Dancing final. It excluded eating carbs in the evening.

Liz Hurley and Louis Smith have joined Coleen Rooney, Nigella Lawson and legions of other stars in posting pictures of their festive celebrations on Twitter.

Seven years ago, Sportsmail began following seven young athletes as they set out on their journeys to try to reach the 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games in London.

The 23-year-old British Olympian isn't the first to reveal his hopes of foraying into the world of fashion. Jessica Ennis has also spoken out about her design ambitions.

Actress Lisa Riley put her cougar skills to the test as she tries to plant a kiss on Louis Smith during a reunion with some of her Strictly Come Dancing co-stars at London's Rose Club last night

He's known as an Olympic hero and Strictly Come Dancing champion, but it seems that Louis Smith might have a more racy side to him.

It's been a very busy few months for the Olympic medallist - from a brilliant performance at the Games to winning Strictly, he's been winning fans across the country.

Members of Team GB's successful London 2012 team were today honoured at Buckingham Palace by the Queen.

He is a triple Olympic medallist for gymnastics - but new heartthrob Louis Smith has warned against underestimating the sport

The Olympic medallist, 23, on his intense fitness regimen, having a high pain threshold and why he believes in God.

She revealed her impressive figure when she wore a bikini while taking part in Splash!

The Olympic gymnast has moved into a plush new property in Peterborough and he has revealed that he is looking for someone to share it with.

Food has been an essential part of my success, so healthy eating and cooking are important parts of my life and my kitchen is my second home after the gym.

One of the saucy images leaked online shows the Olympian with his legs spread wearing underpants emblazoned with the Superman logo.

Danielle was particularly disappointed because it was her second time in the competition after reaching boot camp two years ago where judge Elle Macpherson said that she saw something in her.

He won a legion of fans at the London 2012 Olympic games not to mention during his triumphant turn on the dance floor on last year’s Strictly Come Dancing, and Louis Smith is bound to win a few more devotees with his latest magazine shoot.

The 24-year-old Olympic medallist didn't appear to be letting his slightly rounder shape get him down as he enjoyed another day of partying up a storm at Ocean Beach Ibiza on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old Olympic medallist looked as though he had let his training regime slide somewhat as he partied up a storm in Ibiza with his pals.

One's an Olympic athlete and the other is a famous popstar, so it's no surprise Louis Smith and Aston Merrygold were surrounded by girls on their recent trip to Ibiza.

Olympian is enjoying life after years of training and restrictive diets.

They say live television is fraught with unexpected problems - which was certainly true with today's installment of This Morning. The ITV show suffered a toe-curling gaffe with its sub-title service after it accidentally confused the word 'rate' for 'rape' during a fashion segment.

It has probably been on the cards since Louis Smith walked off with the glitterball last Christmas, but Strictly Come Dancing is to launch a spin-off gymnastics show.

He is used to receiving medals and accolades for his efforts, but former Olympic contestant Louis Smith will fail to win any awards for his Halloween costume, this week. The 50 year-old wore a cheap black wig, limp plastic finger 'knives' and a leather-effect top to recreate the Hollywood character made famous by Johnny Depp in 1990.

Louis Smith sported a much fuller figure when he went topless in a London park on Tuesday, after winning silver at the London 2012 Games.

The star is obviously very proud of his newly ripped torso as he posted a picture of himself posing in a bathroom topless.

Louis Smith is back on track with his exercise regime after being 'hurt' by pictures of him carrying more weight.